2007 November

The day I was called pathetic

November 30, 2007 · by Elizabeth · 31 Comments

Well. I’m a believer in karma you know, I fully believe that what comes around goes around, so I have to wonder what I did to deserve the week I have had. Let’s recap, shall we?

1. A recurrence of the depression I have suffered from since my late teens, for which I take an antidepressant every day, and for which the antidepressant is apparently not working.

2. An anonymous comment suggesting that I can not “declare my independence” if I do paid posts, and ending with “independence, my ass”. Nice.

3. And now, a public humiliation on one of the biggest blogs there is. That’s right, I was made fun of on TechCrunch today. Now, to be fair, I was not named specifically, my blog was not linked to, but comments I posted on the PayPerPost message boards were copy/pasted into the article, with the word “pathetic”. I was blasted for “freaking out” over losing my PageRank and lamenting the loss of income potential. One sentence was described as “a winner”, and it was not a compliment.

I’ll be honest. I read the post, which was linked on a PPP message board thread, I read the comments (most of which called Mike Arrington all kinds of names, but some that agreed that I was getting what I deserved for “shilling” for PPP), and then I burst into tears. I cry very rarely, but this hurt. My poor husband, who had today off, went to run and errand and came home to find me sobbing on the couch. He promptly bundled up Kaitlyn and took me shopping for Christmas stocking stuffers at Target, followed by lunch at Blimpie’s, and then I felt much better.

And the support I am getting on the PayPerPost message boards is unparalleled. I defy anyone to show me another company that has a community like PPP’s. My fellow Posties are outraged not only at TechCrunch for treating me so horribly, but for the fact that he came to our message boards looking for something to criticize. And that he picked on a Mom just trying to earn some extra money to help her family.

I’m not going to link to the post, but if you really want to read it, you can find the post at TechCrunch. It’s the one titled “payperpost users freaking out”. I’m not embarrassed to admit that those are my comments he is making fun of. I was feeling very emotional that day, and while I admit my comments were pretty hysterical sounding, it doesn’t excuse someone calling them pathetic. Mike Arrington doesn’t know me, I guarantee he never visited my blog, he was just trying to be controversial and drive traffic to his site. As usual.

That’s all I’m going to say about that. This weekend, I’ve got more great DVD reviews for you, plus I’m giving away a copy of Shrek the Third starting tomorrow, so please stop by this weekend if you can. And now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to eat deep dish Chicago-style pizza and watch “Anchorman” on HD with my family. Who definitely do NOT think I am pathetic.

Filed Under: Mean People Suck, Personal ·

Laughter really is the best medicine

November 30, 2007 · by Elizabeth · 12 Comments

You know those commercials for an antidepressant that say “Depression Hurts”? Well, it’s true. It’s not just physical hurt either, it’s an increased emotional sensitivity that, for me at least, makes every negative thing seem three times worse than it really is.

Confession-For the last three days, I have been doing the absolute bare minimum. I didn’t shower, most days I didn’t even change out of my pajamas until right before the kids got home from school, and I didn’t do squat around the house. I did, however, watch a lot of DVDs. DVDs have become my new comfort food, and so many great movies have come out lately.

Two days ago I watched “Mr. Bean’s Holiday”. Now, if you aren’t familiar with Rowan Atkinson’s character Mr. Bean, I’m not sure how to describe him to you. Atkinson is a British actor, a physical comedian with a style all his own. The Mr. Bean TV show was fourteen half-hour episodes that ran from 1990 to 1995, and it was an international sensation. Mr. Bean was what Atkinson described as “a child in a man’s body”, who solved everyday problems with a clever naivety, yet rarely spoke. It was all about the physical comedy, and that has carried over into the feature films.

In “Mr. Bean’s Holiday”, Bean wins a church raffle prize of a camcorder and a trip to the beaches of Southern France. Hand a kid a camcorder and what to they do? They start recording every thing they see, right? Bean’s constant recording ends up getting a young boy, the son of a Cannes Film Festival judge, separated from his father. Mr. Bean might be oblivious to the world around him, but he knows he is responsible for what has happened to this boy, and he is determined to reunite father and son.

Hilarity ensues, as Bean and his young companion encounter one mishap after another. Eventually they get separated as well, and there is a scene that you just have to see to believe, in which Bean goes to a fancy French seafood restaurant and eats both raw oysters and a whole giant shrimp still in the shell. I was howling with laughter during that scene!

Along the way, Mr. Bean also encounters a stereotypical American director played by Willem Dafoe, and meets a beautiful French woman who happens to be heading to Cannes for the film festival. I won’t give away the ending, but I will say that you will want to see how these two characters impact Mr. Bean in a way he couldn’t have expected.

Another scene that is itself worth the price of the DVD is when Bean and Stepan (the young boy) find themselves stranded with no money at an open-air market. Bean notices buskers (street musicians, people toss money into their instrument cases) in the market, as well as a CD vendor playing clips from the CDs for people to hear. So he “borrows” the CD vendor’s stereo speaker, walks into an open space, and begins “performing” whatever song is playing. He ends up performing an opera scene that just has to be seen to be believed.

Atkinson has said that “Mr. Bean’s Holiday” is the last Mr. Bean film, so if you are a fan, you will want to get the DVD. It’s funny, it’s sweet, and it was just the movie I needed to cheer me up out of my doldrums. You can purchase Mr. Bean’s Holiday (Widescreen Edition) from Amazon.com, it also comes in HD-DVD. I hope watching this movie cheers someone else up the way it did for me!

Filed Under: DeeVeeDees ·

Get 100 free blogger business cards!

November 30, 2007 · by Elizabeth · 9 Comments

Both years that I have gone to BlogHer, I always run into bloggers who never thought to make a business card to hand out. And a traditional business card isn’t for everyone, but now there’s a website called Ooprint.com that has had the clever idea to create blogger cards. The cards look like this:

That bottom part there is a tag cloud, which you personalize with keywords that represent what you blog about. I think it’s a great idea! If you do want traditional business cards, this site has those too. And you get 100 FREE business cards, all you pay is shipping. So, show off your blog with a personalized blogger business card! Especially if you are coming to BlogHer in San Francisco next July

Filed Under: Born to Blog, Reviews ·

Entropy

November 29, 2007 · by Elizabeth · 15 Comments

enÂ·troÂ·py

1. For a closed thermodynamic system, a quantitative measure of the amount of thermal energy not available to do work.
2. A measure of the disorder or randomness in a closed system.
3. A measure of the loss of information in a transmitted message.
4. The tendency for all matter and energy in the universe to evolve toward a state of inert uniformity.
5. Inevitable and steady deterioration of a system or society.

Gee, “Anonymous”, thank you so much for leaving me that lovely comment on my Declaration of Independence post. How nice of you to suggest that anyone who blogs for pay can’t possibly be independent, and to end your comment with “independent, my ass”. Aren’t you sweet?

I am so close to just throwing my hands up in the air and giving up. All my work over the last seven months, all the blood, sweat and tears, especially the tears, the nights of lost sleep, the rejoicing when my PayPal account reaches the $300.00 mark (yay, we can pay ALL the bills this month!), the heartache at losing some really great people as readers because they hate sponsored posts (but run the BlogHer Ad network, Adsense, etc.), the posting, the commenting, the social networking, the time, the energy.

But if I give up, the terrorists win.

Could someone please clunk me over the head with something heavy so that I can sleep for about a week? Thanks. That would be great.

Filed Under: Born to Blog, Mean People Suck, Personal ·

The Medal of Awesomeness

November 28, 2007 · by Elizabeth · 5 Comments

I just found the funniest website, it’s called “Just Say Hi”, and it has tons of great Blog Stuff like quizzes you can take. I took the Geek Quiz, and it turns out I am 65% geek. I would have scored higher if I had ever solved a complex computer program in the shower, if I read less books, or if I used Open Source code instead of Firefox

65% Geek

It also has pre-made awards! Look at this award that I gave myself. Apparently, there’s this blog called MomReviews, and she thinks Table for Five is awesome! lol

Awarded by
Elizabeth
to Table for Five

Some of the awards are downright disturbing, like “This Blog Was Awarded A Pair Of Clean Underpants”, or “I was awarded a flesh eating rash”-which is just gross. But there is also Sexiest blogger, Cleverest blogger, Snarkiest blogger-you all might just find yourself getting a few of these awards from time to time! That URL again is http://www.justsayhi.com/bb, have fun!

Filed Under: Well, it's funny to me ·

It’s going to be a great day!

November 28, 2007 · by Elizabeth · 28 Comments

I’m feeling really excited today, because I have a HUGE, and I do mean all-caps HUGE pile of DVDs and products that I am going to be giving away over the next few weeks! You’ve probably noticed the increase in DVD reviews, and in many cases, I’ve received extra copies to give away. I also have one of the hottest electronic toys for kids to give away, something to help you monitor your kids’ time on the computer or video games, AND, a free weekend rental of a digital projector! It’s hot, hot, HOT!

I’ve asked for help making a badge to represent the giveaways, but in the meantime, I’m going to give away the first item-copies of the brand new DVD “The Land Before Time: The Wisdom of Friends“.

Starring the voices of Oscar winner Cuba Gooding Jr. and Golden Globe winner (and Grey’s Anatomy star) Sandra Oh, and all the Land Before Time friends-Littlefoot, Cera, Spike, Petrie and Ducky-The Wisdom of Friends finds the prehistoric pals helping two Yellow Bellied-dinosuars find their way to the Berry Valley. They share important life lessons called Wisdoms, and work together. The Special Features include a Bonus TV episode, two games, and sing-along songs. Your child would be sure to love it!

If you are interested in winning one of two copies, for one entry, please leave a comment on this post.

For Two entries, subscribe to this blog’s feed using the easy subscribe button right at the top of the page! Make sure to let me know in your comment.

For Three entries, leave the comment, subscribe, and mention my contest in a blog post. Edited to add: Apparently, Google considers asking people to link back to your blog using specific text an attempt to “cheat” the search engines. Whatever. It’s not like my PageRank can get any LOWER. So link to me, whatever anchor text you want is fine.

U.S. only please, and the contest ends Wednesday, December 5th. And there will be a LOT more great giveaways coming up over the next few days, so keep checking your feed readers!

U.S. only please, and the contest runs for one week, until December 5th.

THIS CONTEST IS CLOSED. COMING UP NEXT-WINNIE THE POOH AND TIGGER!

Congratulations to the winners, Sarah and The Angel Forever !

Filed Under: Contests and Giveaways, DeeVeeDees ·

Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause

November 27, 2007 · by Elizabeth · 5 Comments

I love the Santa Clause movies, and I already own the first and second ones on DVD, so naturally I added Santa Clause 3 to my collection. Starring the same cast of characters as the previous movies, plus Martin Short as Jack Frost, watching this 3rd installment has really put me in the Christmas mood.

Once again, Tim Allen stars as Scott Calvin/Santa, and this time, his wife Carol is expecting a baby. With husband Scott/Santa busy getting ready for Christmas, Carol wishes she could have her parents with her, so Scott and his team concoct a plan to bring Carol’s parents to the North Pole. Only, they are going to think they are coming to a toy factory in Canada.

Meanwhile, Martin Short as Jack Frost has been brought before the Council of Legendary Figures to answer to charges that he is trying to sabotage Christmas. He convinces Scott to let him help get the toys ready for delivery, but instead, he sets out to sabotage the workshop. Carol’s parents arrive, played by Alan Arkin and the still-gorgeous Ann-Margret, and as a surprise, so do Scott’s ex-wife (Wendy Crewson), her husband Neil (Judge Reinhold), and their daughter Lucy (Lily Mumy). It was a little far-fetched that Scott’s ex-wife would be there, but it does give Lucy a big part in the plot.

Jack Frost plots to get Scott to inadvertently invoke “The Escape Clause”, which allows the current Santa to get out of his responsibilities by holding a special Snow Globe and saying something to the effect of “I wish I had never been Santa”. Once Scott says it, they are transported back to the scene from the first movie when Santa first falls off Scott’s roof, and I mean the exact scene. Only this time, Frost puts on Santa’s coat and becomes the new Santa. Scott goes right back to the life he was living at that time, and then tracks down Frost at the new North Pole, which he has turned into a combination theme park and musical theater. Scott and Lucy conspire together to set things right and get Scott back where he belongs, as Santa.

The first time I saw this movie in the theaters, I just thought it was okay. But now that I’ve watched it a few times on DVD, I find it entertaining, with a good message about being true to yourself and to your family. Bonus Features on the DVD include:

# Commentary by: Director Michael LembeckDolby Digital 2.0
# Widescreen and full-screen versions on same disc
# Never-before-seen bloopers
# Christmas carol-oke
# Aly & AJ music video: “Greatest Time of the Year”
# The making of The Santa Clause 3
# Blooper reel
# Alternate opening
# Jack Frost & Mrs. Claus: A Very Different Look
# The New Comedians: On set with Tim & Marty
# Creating movie magic: Visual effects secrets, from the hall of snow globes to Santa’s fireplace

Pick up a copy of Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause for your Christmas DVD collection!

Filed Under: DeeVeeDees ·

Great way to start the day

November 27, 2007 · by Elizabeth · 19 Comments

Well. There’s nothing like that first cup of coffee in the morning, accompanied by a look at my WordPress Dashboard-did anyone leave me any comments? They did? Awesome! Another sip of coffee, let’s see what someone felt like contributing to the discussion.

Oh.

If I ever write something that is my opinion, and you feel strongly enough about the topic that you want to comment and suggest that I consider a different opinion, I am all about that. If you want to point out something I might not have thought about, fine. If I write a post about a certain product, and you think a different product is better, say so. I’ve got an open mind. Want to ask me a question? Find out some deep dark secret about me? Ask away. I’ve got very little to hide.

But if I write a post that you suspect was sponsored, and soon you won’t even have to guess because PayPerPost is going to start requiring in-post disclosure, but if I write a hundred words or so about a product or website, you can just go ahead and assume that I did it because A. the topic interested me, B. I felt the topic might interest some of my readers, and/or C. I like getting paid for my opinion.

Feel the need to point out that the product I wrote about can be purchased at 7-11? Fantastic! I’m sure the company that paid me to write about the product will be happy to know that my word-of-mouth marketing got someone to buy it. There’s really no need to be snarky about it. If you read this blog, you know I write paid posts. And that I DON’T FEEL GUILTY ABOUT IT. Ahem.

Speaking of great ways to start the day, I’d now like to ask you to please click over to MomReviews to read my review of a really great DVD that the kind folks at Parent Bloggers Network sent me. It’s called That Baby DVD, and it contains classic rock songs that you will love sharing with your kids. Please click THIS LINK RIGHT HERE to read my review. For which I WAS NOT PAID. And I don’t think you can buy it at 7-11, either.

Filed Under: Personal ·

Call Home for the Holidays

November 26, 2007 · by Elizabeth · 8 Comments

Do you have loved ones living overseas that you would like to call during the Holidays? Do you know someone who could use international phone cards? Phone Cards Avenue has a list of over one thousand calling cards, listed alphabetically, and including a quality rating, whether there is a connection fee, and what denominations the cards can be purchased in.

They have recently introduced a cash back rebate program that pays you three percent back on every calling card purchase you make with them. You can also purchase prepaid wireless cards, that refill the minutes on a phone you already own. Cell phone refill minutes are available for AT&T, T-Mobile, Virgin Mobile, and more. Calling cards and prepaid minutes refills make great stocking stuffers and gifts for the holidays!

Filed Under: I love the Holidays ·

It’s time to declare my independence. Again.

November 24, 2007 · by Elizabeth · 25 Comments

Izzy’s Blogging Declaration of Independence:

1. I will only write when I feel like writing. I will not allow myself to feel obligated to write a blog post or do any other blog-related activity if I donâ€™t feel like it.

2. I will no longer stop to consider if a post will be boring to other people or use that as a deciding factor in what I write.

3. I will write from my heart and remember that my blog is about me and whatever I want to write about.

4. I will not compare myself to other bloggers.

5. I will not allow myself to feel bad if I notice that someone doesnâ€™t come to my blog anymore.

6. I will not concern myself with comments or stat counters or other numeric devices that might have the ability to affect my mood or what I write.

7. I will not feel bad if something I care about doesnâ€™t get a lot of feedback or comments.

8. I will always try to remember that blogging is a hobby first and foremost. When it stops being fun, I will step away and re-evaluate.

9. I will no longer feel guilty about not commenting â€œas much as I shouldâ€ because my first responsibility is to myself and my kids. Though I love reading and connecting with other bloggers, real life needs to come first.

10. I will make an effort to not get lost in blogging. Just because I can while away an entire evening in the blogsophere with relative ease doesnâ€™t mean I should.

11. I will not worry about losing readers if I change my focus from time to time.

12. I will be true to myself and my feelings. I will be cranky if thatâ€™s how I feel. Being a diplomat 24-7 is just exhausting and unnatural.

13. I will try really hard to fight that feeling that I am missing out on something if Iâ€™m not reading and commenting on blogs.

14. In committing myself to this declaration, I am setting myself free so that I can enjoy blogging more and stress about it less.

15. I will update and add to this declaration as necessary.

The first change I am making is to my blogroll. I have a lot of links in my blogroll to blogs I used to read, but don’t anymore. Not because I don’t like the blogs, but because I only have so many hours in the day. But I have felt like deleting those links from my blogroll is akin to telling the person I don’t like them anymore, which is ridiculous. I am making a links page, but my sidebar blogroll itself is going to be reserved ONLY for the blogs I ACTUALLY read.

This is MY blog. There are many like it, but this one is MINE. Do I want people to read it? Heck yes! Do I want people to comment on my posts? Absolutely! Do I want to provide them good content that is worthy of their time? Without a doubt. But should I ever feel guilty about what I do or don’t do here? No. If someone really wants their blog linked in my sidebar, they are welcome to email me and ask me. A sidebar blogroll is not a popularity contest.

In fact, here’s what I’m going to do-I’m going to create a “They Link To Me” blogroll. If I am on your blogroll, please leave me a comment or email me and let me know, and I will give you linky love. I’m not afraid of Google, I can link to whomever I please.

This blog post is my response to having had an actual anxiety attack this afternoon over a really stupid blogging situation. I realized it was time for me to let go of the past and accept the present, which might not make sense to you, but believe me, it has to be done. I have to stop waiting for the people who used to read this blog to come back and read it again. I have to accept the community to which I DO belong, and stop treating them like they are second-rate. I have some really good blog friends, and I want to give them the acknowledgment they deserve.

There’s really not much more to say than that. I almost feel like I’m starting completely over, that I am taking back my own blog. And I feel no anxiety at all about that.

Filed Under: I Like Meeting People, Personal ·